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Chuck Norris Attacks Linux-Based Routers, Modems

Posted by timothy on from the witnesses-awarded-him-both-ears-and-the-tail dept.

angry tapir writes "Discovered by Czech researchers, the Chuck Norris botnet has been spreading by taking advantage of poorly configured routers and DSL modems. The malware got the Chuck Norris moniker from a programmer's Italian comment in its source code: 'in nome di Chuck Norris,' which means 'in the name of Chuck Norris.' Chuck Norris is unusual in that it infects DSL modems and routers rather than PCs. It installs itself on routers and modems by guessing default administrative passwords and taking advantage of the fact that many devices are configured to allow remote access."

10 of 193 comments (clear)

  1. As far as misleading headlines go by DavidR1991 · · Score: 5, Funny

    this one really takes the cake!

    1. Re:As far as misleading headlines go by somersault · · Score: 5, Funny

      Actually, I think Chuck Norris would take the cake and use it to asphyxiate the headline, before drop-kicking said headline into the sun.

      --
      which is totally what she said
    2. Re:As far as misleading headlines go by suso · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Yes, this is very misleading. I thought that maybe the Linux network stack was suddenly vulnerable or something, but you're just talking about it taking advantage of default passwords, which is pretty old if you ask me.

      This doesn't necessarily mean that say a Linux router that was installed on PC class hardware and has been kept up to date and properly secured is vulnerable to this botnet.

    3. Re:As far as misleading headlines go by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      I've also got to question the sense of naming a botnet like this. Sure it's memorable, but what's to stop Chuck Norris from taking legal action against the researchers who coined the name? I certainly wouldn't want my name associated with a criminal enterprise.

      ...Chuck Norris is a fictional charactor...

    4. Re:As far as misleading headlines go by spartacus_prime · · Score: 5, Funny

      Actually, I think Chuck Norris would take the cake and use it to asphyxiate the headline, before roundhouse kicking said headline into the sun.

      Fixed that for you.

      --
      If you can read this, it means that I bothered to log in.
    5. Re:As far as misleading headlines go by ooshna · · Score: 5, Funny

      ...Chuck Norris is a fictional charactor...

      Thats what they said about the fist in his beard

  2. the REAL Chuck Noris by bsDaemon · · Score: 5, Funny

    The REAL Chuck Noris wouldn't have to guess the default password, he'd just round-house kick the modem until it let him in without it.

    1. Re:the REAL Chuck Noris by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      There is no password behind Chuck Norris' router, there is only another fist.

  3. Re:non Linux based routers by Flibberdy · · Score: 5, Informative

    'It installs itself on routers and modems by guessing default administrative passwords and taking advantage of the fact that many devices are configured to allow remote access."' Does this botnet attack also work on non Linux based routers and if so the what is the logic behind the subject line ?

    No, It requires the router to be running Linux on a MIPS system.

  4. Re:Stupid jokes incoming in 3...2...1... by krou · · Score: 5, Funny

    The malware got the Chuck Norris moniker from a programmer's Italian comment in its source code: 'in nome di Chuck Norris,' which means 'in the name of Chuck Norris.'

    In other news, an Italian programmer was found dead after taking Chuck Norris's name in vain.

    --
    'If Christ had tweeted the sermon on the mount, it might have lasted until nightfall.' - John Perry Barlow